Two veteran canine handlers received their new partners and are ready to patrol the City together. The canines were both picked up in September when they arrived from Czechoslovakia and have been training with their officer handlers since that time. They completed training last Friday, December 15th 2006 in Grand Island where they were both certified in narcotics detection and patrol, which includes building searches and tracking.
Both of the handler officers are assigned to the Operations Division and are available to assist on all calls throughout the city.

Officer Tyler Dean is a 13 year veteran of LPD and has been a canine handler for 7 years. Officer Dean’s previous partner, Kimbo just retired and Tyler will now be joined on patrol with Kony, a 20 month old German Shepherd.

Officer Jeff Urkevich has been with LPD for 9 years and has been a handler for 3 years. Officer Urkevich’s previous partner, Zito was struck by a vehicle and killed in February. Jeff’s new partner, Jake, is a three year old German Shepherd.

The Lincoln Police Department and the Canine Unit wishes to thank all of the individuals, groups and businesses for their contributions to make the purchase of our new canines possible.